The Generational Impact Movement (GIM), supported by Plan International through the Youth Challenge Fund, has rolled out the Community Climate Resilience and Emergency Preparedness Project in selected communities across Moyamba District. The initiative has raised climate change awareness and enhanced local capacity to tackle environmental challenges.
The project was designed to encourage environmental protection, improve disaster readiness, and build resilience against the growing effects of climate change, particularly among vulnerable groups such as women, youth, schoolchildren, and persons with disabilities.
It began with a detailed community assessment conducted by the GIM team in collaboration with local stakeholders. This process identified schools and communities most at risk from deforestation and declining vegetation. Consultations with leaders, educators, women’s groups, youth organizations, and disability advocates helped determine the target beneficiaries.
An implementation plan was then developed to ensure broad participation and ownership. Special emphasis was placed on engaging schoolchildren, young people, women, traditional leaders, and persons with disabilities, recognizing their vital role in advancing sustainability and resilience.
The official launch on 24 March brought together stakeholders from across the district. Attendees were introduced to the project’s objectives, expected outcomes, and the shared responsibilities needed to drive climate action and emergency preparedness.
Awareness sessions followed, educating participants on the causes and consequences of climate change and environmental degradation. Discussions highlighted deforestation, poor waste management, and other human activities contributing to climate-related disasters.
Beneficiaries were equipped with practical knowledge on mitigation and adaptation strategies, enabling them to adopt eco-friendly practices to safeguard their communities and natural resources.
To widen outreach, the project team organized weekly market sensitizations and radio programmes, engaging traders, farmers, women, and youth on environmental protection, responsible waste disposal, and collective climate action.
A key highlight was the environmental restoration effort through tree planting. One hundred seedlings were distributed and transplanted across schools and communities, including Njagbahun and Mokorewa in Fakunya Chiefdom and Mbaoma in Dasse Chiefdom. Students, teachers, leaders, and residents actively participated, reinforcing the importance of stewardship and sustainability.
The project concluded with Emergency Preparedness Training, where community members and stakeholders discussed disaster risk reduction and practical response measures. Training covered resource protection, proper waste management, and strategies to strengthen resilience against climate hazards.
According to GIM, the initiative directly reached 160 beneficiaries across three schools and several communities. Through awareness campaigns, community engagement, tree planting, market sensitizations, radio discussions, and emergency training, the project has significantly deepened public understanding of climate change and conservation.
Project Highlights: 160 direct beneficiaries; 3 schools engaged; 100 seedlings distributed and transplanted; activities included project launch, awareness sessions, market sensitizations, radio programmes, tree planting, and emergency preparedness training.
The Generational Impact Movement expressed appreciation to Plan International and the Youth Challenge Fund for their support, reaffirming ts commitment to empowering communities, advancing climate action, and contributing to sustainable development in Sierra Leone.
